What a fun and colorful wedding! Hailey and Ross previously shared a small elopement but still wanted to celebrate with their friends and families. They gathered together at Van Wyck Farm in Bellingham, and every piece of their day felt relaxed and joyful. They greeted all of their guests for pre-ceremony cocktails, enjoyed an incredible appetizer bar from Black Sheep, and brought everyone onto the dance floor before dinner. Weddings contain so many optional elements, and I'm a big encourager that you can puzzle piece them together in whichever order feels best for you. Hailey's sister is a talented wedding planner from California, and she matched their upbeat wedding with a bright and juicy color palette! I can't wait for you all to see these...

Valerie & Tara booked me for their wedding years ago, and I've been looking forward to this ever since their engagement session! They chose to get married at Lairmont Manor on a fall afternoon, serving a spread of appetizers and desserts to their family and friends. They incorporated red elements throughout their celebration to honor Chinese traditions, such as the custom sash on Tara's dress. These two are clearly so happy together, and it was an absolute joy to be a part of their day!

The Farm at Van Wyck was the perfect Bellingham venue for Kate and Stephen's wedding! They wanted a rustic outdoor space to celebrate with a couple hundred of their favorite people, and the entire day was such a joy to be a part of. They chose bright summery florals and included personalized elements throughout the day like stickers, pint glasses, and an entire wall of photos. One of the pieces Kate and Stephen looked forward to most was the dance floor, and DJ Scoob once again got everyone on their feet! Sit back and scroll through my favorites from this August wedding...

Claire and Nate married on Lummi Island, a place that's been special to Claire's family throughout her life. When their original venue fell through, a friend opened their backyard as a place to celebrate. It was a bright, sunny day in July complete with blue skies and eagle sightings. Dried floral arrangements lined the tables and ceremony aisle, and the colors fit perfectly with their beach wedding. After two portrait sessions with Claire and Nate, it was such a joy to witness their big day. Scroll through to view some of my favorites!

1. Celebrate and enjoy this time together
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​Congrats!! The choice to get married is so exciting. Before jumping into wedding planning, take a week or two to celebrate together and focus on why you’ve chosen each other. Over the next few months of decisions, that “why” is what it all comes back to. Enjoy the moments when you personally get to share your news with close friends and family. It’s happening!
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I'm a big advocate for mixing up tradition and having fun with your wedding plans. Marla and Matt chose to have a brunch wedding at the Bellingham Ferry Terminal complete with a waffle bar, fruit, scones, quiche, bacon, and donuts.  We started their day with a first look and portraits down the street at Marine Park, and we included their dog for a few special photos, too. It was a smoky August morning, and the pink tint from the sun tied in beautifully with Marla's blush dress from Belle Bridal. Scroll to see my favorites from this colorful, happy day!

Michelle and Kris shared an intimate September garden wedding at Christianson's Nursery. Bellingham florist Tangled Roots created a unique color palette, and her arrangements tied the images from their day together so beautifully. Michelle and Kris used the pathway and front steps to the schoolhouse for their ceremony. When their officiant pronounced them married before they had a chance to exchange rings, they shared a great laugh with all of their guests. The ability to laugh and see things as a funny story to tell is the best recipe for a happy wedding, and everyone continued to smile about it all evening long. It's always a joy to be back in the space where we got married, and I am so excited to share my favorites from their celebration!

Mia and Berkly shared a colorful July wedding at Lairmont Manor, decorated with bright summer florals from Pozie by Natalie. After a sunny ceremony on the lawn, they celebrated with a family style meal. I don't see this serving style often, and it was a beautiful way to bring their loved ones together! Scroll to see my favorites from their wedding day, and then take a look at their Bellingham engagement session and guestbook.

Rebecca and Thomas married on a Tuesday afternoon in September at Lairmont Manor. Their bright yellow flowers added a beautiful pop of color to the rainy day! We stayed dry with a first look under the greenery, portraits using my clear umbrella and the covered walkways, an indoor ceremony, and a dinner under Lairmont's tent on the front patio. It was a joy to work with these two again, and you can view their Bellingham engagement session here.